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Cascara Sagrada, known as sacred bark, is one of our most popular herbal products. Its popularity is no accident. As a nutritional support for the eliminative function, the bark has been used by cultures around the world, including the North American Indians and American settlers. Spanish missionaries noticed its use among the Indians and called it sacred; hence, the Spanish name. It was first marketed in 1877, and was later acknowledged and used by the medical profession.

How Does it Work?
Cascara sagrada, or sacred bark, is one of the most popular and best-selling herbal products. As a nutritional support for proper waste elimination, the bark has been used by cultures around the world. Cascara sagrada acts as an herbal laxative, influences intestinal contraction and supports a clean, healthy colon.

User Care
See your health care provider prior to use if you are pregnant or nursing, if any medical condition exists or when taking any medication. Read and follow recommendation carefully. Do not use if diarrhea, loose stools or abdominal pain currently exist or develop during use. Continued use of this product may worsen these conditions and be harmful to your health. Not intended for prolonged use. Chronic diarrhea can result in serious illness.

General Information: Cascara Sagrada is a tree that grows on the Pacific Coast of North America, mainly in British Columbia, Oregon, Washington, and California. The tree grows to a height of 6 - 18 meters. The bark is collected from mid-April to the end of August, which is when it separates easily from the wood. The bark must then be aged for at least one year before use; otherwise, the cathartic action is too strong.

Historical Use: Cascara was discovered in modern times by members of the Lewis and Clark company on the banks of a tributary of the Columbia River in 1805. It was introduced to the medical profession in 1877 and rapidly gained popularity. Cascara had been used historically by the American Indians and early Spanish Priests in California. They made a cold infusion by soaking a piece of bark overnight and then took it as a tome. They also prepared a laxative potion by boiling fresh bark for several hours and then letting it cool. The Spanish name is `sacred bark" because they believed that it is the same wood as was used to build the Ark of the Covenant.

Action and Use: Cascara is known as a cathartic (laxative) herb. It contains substances called anthraquinones which are responsible for the cathartic action. The anthraquinones in the herb are oxidized in the intestine. The oxidation process produces a substance which stimulates peristalsis, resulting in the laxative properties. Cascara is not thought to be habit forming and has been shown to restore natural tone to the colon. Small doses of cascara are sometimes taken to ease digestion.